Robert A Smith, an island butcher who helped put Stornoway black pudding on the map

Robert A Smith, an island butcher who helped put Stornoway black pudding on the map

Robert A Smith, one of the island butchers who helped put Stornoway black pudding on the culinary map, has died, aged 83.

Earlier this month, a large crowd gathered for his funeral, at the Free Church of Scotland in Stornoway, as "Bobby Brackie" as he was more affectionately known – was held in high esteem by the local crofters and farmers as he would always, whenever possible, try and source produce locally.

His father, John, was one of the famous island shepherds who headed to the Patagonian plains of Argentina before the Second World War, where their work ethic, resilience and natural stockmanship was highly prized by the ranch owners.

Bobby himself took over the butchery business of WJ MacDonald in the centre of the town 44 years ago and the popular business is now run by his three sons – Robert, Derick and Archie.

Four years ago, Stornoway black pudding was awarded Protected Geographical Indication status, a campaign in which the Smiths were heavily involved.

Despite the business taking up a huge amount of his time, Bobby always kept his own flock of sheep and at one time also reared cattle.

Kenny MacKenzie, the recently-retired managing director of Dingwall and Highland Marts Limited, and who knew Bobby for over 53 years, said: "He was always very supportive of the local sales, particularly the Christmas show in Stornoway. He looked after the crofters very well, buying lambs direct from them. He was a great support to the local crofting community."

As well as his three sons, seven grandchildren and one grandchild, Mr Smith leaves behind wife, Chirsty, to whom he was married for nearly 61 years, and daughter Aline.

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